Can I burn today in Markham?
Markham’s by-law does not set out what each fire danger rating allows, so this page cannot tell you whether today is a burning day. Today’s rating is beside this, and the fire hall below has the answer.
- Air quality (AQHI)
- 2 · Low risk
- Measured at
- Newmarket
- Observed
- 3:00 PM EDT Wednesday 9 September 2026 · rating measured at the centre of Regional Municipality of York, which covers a wide area
A rating is not permission. Markham requires a permit, and a fire ban can be declared at any time. City of Markham Fire Prevention Division decides — not this page.
Per burn, requested at least 48 hours in advance; fee is $246.00 plus HST per the City's live online application (2026)
Apply online at least 48 hours before the planned burn via the City's Open Air Fire Permit web form
Pay $246.00 plus HST as part of the online application
The permit is not valid until approved by a Markham Fire Prevention Officer.
Permit required (Section 2(a))
No Person shall set a fire or allow a fire to burn without first having obtained the necessary permit from the Chief Fire Official. Such permit, as per Schedule "A" shall be issued in written form by the Chief Fire Official.
Prohibited conditions (Section 3)
Notwithstanding any provisions herein, no Person shall set or maintain a fire: ... (d) at a distance less than 15 metres (49.2 feet) from any building, structure, hedge, fence, vehicular roadway of any kind or nature, or overhead wiring; (e) at a distance of less than 15 metres (49.2 feet) from any property line; (f) unless there is a space clear and free from combustible material around the perimeter of such fire of at least 9 metres (29.5 feet); ... (h) after sunset in the afternoon on any day and before sunrise in the forenoon of any day.
Wind conditions (Section 5)
No fire in the open air shall be maintained when the wind is in such a direction or intensity to cause any or all of the following: (a) the possible spread of the fire to neighbouring building(s) or properties; (b) a decrease in the visibility on any highway or roadway; or (c) any odour to such an extent or degree so as to cause discomfort to the persons residing in the immediate area.
Fee and validity (Section 7)
The fee for the issuance of a Burning Permit shall be $50.00 per permit. A Burning Permit is valid for 5 days from the date of issuance.
Dangerous Condition / revocation (Section 1(d), Section 8)
"Dangerous Condition" means: (i) a lack of precipitation ... which ... increases the risk of the spread of fire; (ii) winds ... which ... increases the risk of the spread of fire; (iii) any other condition declared by the Chief Fire Official to be a dangerous condition. ... the Chief Fire Official may revoke any or all permits issued for fires, or refuse to issue any permit where, in the opinion of the Chief Fire Official, the ability to control the fire is hampered by the existence in or near the proposed site of a Dangerous Condition.
A live readout of air quality, wind and fire danger for Markham — free, for any municipality, customer or not. See it and get the link.
By-laws change. This page summarises public documents and is not legal advice or permission to burn — City of Markham Fire Prevention Division decides.